Your first tourney or event - what to bring

A tourney is an outdoor fighting event where heavy fighters fight in an Eric. If you are not fighting yourself then you can still enjoy on the
sidelines. Take a chair or rug to sit on, a picnic lunch (if the Autocrat
isn't providing it) and enjoy. You can play period board games, sing,
work on your latest craft project, talk to your friends, or simply sit back and
enjoy the fighting.

If
you prefer to help out rather than simply enjoy there are many things you can
do. Ask the fighters if they need help with their armour and weapons. Often they will need help with straps or pieces of armour. This is
also a good way to learn about armour and fighting.

The
List Master/Mistress can usually use extra warm bodies to run messages and help
out. The heralds can always use fresh voices for announcements. Field
heraldry is very easy to learn and can be fun. The marshals are often
willing to help train a new marshal at tourneys.

It
is an SCA tradition that we leave a site cleaner than when we came. To
this end it is asked that you are careful with your rubbish (including cigarette
butts) and leave it wither in a bin on site or take it away with you. Also
it is asked that if you find rubbish on site when you arrive you clean it up
before you leave.

HOLD!

When you hear this word stop and pay
attention. It is only ever used in a situation where
safety is an issue. It is most often heard in the Eric, but can
be used for dangers anywhere.

!!!HOLD!!!
Means -
STOP - THERE IS A PROBLEM

Tourneys Language

ERIC - a
roped off area where combat occurs

LISTS -
can refer to the Eric, or can refer to the person running the fighting
(see below).

LIST OFFICER - is the person who organises the actual bouts and keeps track of wins
and losses.

CHIRURGEONS - sometimes at a tourney there is a
person who has first aid experiences. They can help if an injury
occurs. The SCA does not undertake to provide a first aid
person, but chirurgeons may provide assistance on request off their
own bat.

TROLL - is the person responsible for collection
of any money charged for the event. They sit at the Troll Booth
(get it?).

What to bring and what to wear...

...to A Tourney

A tourney is an outdoor event so dress appropriately. The weather in
River Haven is windy and cold in winter, hot and sticky in summer, and sunburn
can be a problem all year round. Usually people don't wear their best
clothes to a tourney, they wear what is comfortable. A hat is important if
you are going to be out in the sun.

Wear
light comfortable clothes in summer, bring extra warm gear in winter and make
sure you remember to always wear some sort of foot covering.

Bring:

Feasting Kit

Hat

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Something to occupy you in between the fighting - i.e. games, craft items, other period amusements

Something to drink - most events will have drinks available, but not always

Food (the autocrat can tell you if food will be provided)

...to A Feast

A Feasting kit (see below)

Candles & Candle holder - not always required

Insect repellent

games, craft items, other period amusements

Something to drink - most events will have drinks available, but not always

A Feasting Kit:

This is a basic kit of utensils that you will need if you wish to eat or drink at events. If you are packing for a family, simply multiply the list. Find a cloth bag (box, picnic hamper, whatever) and put in the following items:-

Arts & Sciences

Martial Activities

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